‘Exclusive and unique’: Minnamurra waterfront gem a rare chance for luxury coastal living

Surrounded by ‘Vanuatu-like’ sparkling waters on the NSW South Coast’s Minnamurra River, a fully renovated waterfront cottage has hit the market for the first time in more than three decades.

120 Charles Avenue in Minnamurra is luxury living at its coastal hideaway best.

Surrounded by “Vanuatu-like” sparkling waters on the NSW South Coast’s Minnamurra River, a fully renovated waterfront cottage has hit the market for the first time in more than three decades.

Positioned on just over 1000sq m, the cottage at 120 Charles Avenue, Minnamurra, has a $6m to $6.5m price tag and was built from the original 1911 riverfront home.

“Minnamurra is very exclusive and unique,” says selling agent Michelle Lay of Ray White Kiama, adding that “we very often get buyers from Sydney, looking for a quieter holiday home”.

“It’s less expensive than going north; when they discover Minna­murra, they wonder how they missed it because it is so exclusive.”

The home has expansive teak decks, manicured gardens, and a private boatshed that extends into the water.

The property south of Wollongong is up for auction on December 1.

“We are protective of this area … we like to keep it a bit secret; the water is pristine, it is Vanuatu clear, you can swim or paddle across to Mystics Beach, which is a white sand beach,” she said, adding that she already had a couple of locals who were interested in purchasing.

“There are only 22 absolute waterfronts here, and there’s only six properties including this one with a boatshed. If you lose the boatshed, you can’t replace it, you would have to come back behind the building line.

“These waterfronts are very rare … the family is selling for family-based reasons.”

The three-bedroom and two-­bathroom house has a blend of indoor and outdoor living in one of the coast’s most sought-after locations.

The vendor, Gai Sinclair, said she loved living in this “village environment that’s so immersed in nature, with abundant bird and wildlife all around us”.

“Lying in the hammock in the boatshed at high tide, watching pelicans glide in, has been a simple but unforgettable pleasure,” she said.

The property south of Wollongong is up for auction on December 1.

For Ms Sinclair, this was their first family home where they raised their children.

“Going to the beach wasn’t something we had to do – it was right there, every day. We’ll always feel connected to this unique place,” she said.

“With fish and aquatic life at our doorstep, we could snorkel and swim in crystal-clear water anytime. Early mornings on the paddle board were a highlight – the water is just perfect.”

The home has expansive teak decks, manicured gardens, and a private boatshed that extends into the water. The property’s design invites a relaxed coastal lifestyle with open-plan living areas flowing seamlessly to the outdoors, set against the backdrop of sweeping views of Stack Island and Killalea State Recreation Area.

Privacy is also a key feature, with the residence situated on an exclusive section of Charles Avenue, away from public access.

The upstairs master suite, with panoramic river and ocean views, is complemented by two additional bedrooms, while the kitchen, featuring stainless steel benchtops and a walk-in pantry, also has water views.